06/25/2026
We celebrated the life of an old friend today as we say goodbye.
Geoff Grace was full of life, friendship, and smiles.
Geoff began his apprenticeship at Queen City Pattern, where he met Dale, then a foreman and later the founder of Northbend Pattern. When Dale left to start NBP, it took Geoff only two weeks to decide he would join him, becoming our second employee ever.
Over the next 38 years, Geoff perfected his craft as a patternmaker and became an integral part of the Northbend Pattern family. He retired in October 2010 and spent the last 16 years enjoying life with his wonderful wife, Sally, much of that time in Florida.
As we gathered to remember Geoff, stories flowed freely and brought both laughter and smiles.
One employee recalled Geoff swinging a urethane blow tube out of a lathe and accidentally hitting a light fixture, covering everyone underneath in dust. Another remembered driving him to the hospital after he nearly cut off his thumb—an occupational hazard in the patternmaking trade.
Others simply shared, “I loved Geoff—Jeffro, The Hammer, Big Brother.”
Dale was known for his high standards and wasn’t shy about letting people know when something wasn’t done right. Geoff had a special way of handling those moments. One day, after Geoff forgot something, Dale asked him, “How do you remember how to get home every night?” Without missing a beat, Geoff replied, “I turn left out of here, and when I cross the bridge, I know I’m almost home.”
Dale loved telling that story. It reminded everyone that Geoff wasn’t easily intimidated and that he knew exactly how to handle Dale.
Geoff also loved to cook and was famous for bringing a ham to every company Christmas party and picnic. Sally was our unofficial shop photographer, always capturing countless memories at company events.
The stories shared today brought so many laughs and smiles. If everyone had arrived at the same time, it could have been a reunion of former employees.
Geoff’s easygoing spirit, quick wit, and big smile will be deeply missed.
Thank you, Geoff, for your years of service, but even more importantly, for your years of friendship. You were one of the good ones.
“In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.” — Abraham Lincoln
